Icehouse Canyon - Backpack Training

| CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE |

The gusts of wind came continually down the canyon with an icy freshness that both invigorated me & had me in total wonder of the new region of the San Gabriels I was exploring. Icehouse Canyon had been living up to it's name without question.

| Backpack Training Mt. Baldy in background |

 A local favorite among pretty much ever hiking book & website, I figured it was my time to give it a try. Short history of the canyon, in the 20's it was a major ice production area due to it's location, along with timber cutting pulled by oxen from upper reaches of the side canyons. I was in awe that anyone made this possible.

 

 This trip was the beginning of endurance building for longer backpacking trips planned over the next few months. Carrying a fair amount of weight up the 2,700 ft of elevation change & 4 miles of trail was an excellent first test back. The rock strew trail winded up to a mountain spring that I missed on my way up, but thoroughly enjoyed on my way down (video w/ new sterilization techniques to come).

While part way up the trail I passed into the Cucamonga Wilderness, a sub-alpine protected area little over 12,000 sq. ft. The snow was plentiful & pristine all along the north facing ridges. One could even make out animals tracks coming down from the denser upper forests to the creek side.

| Lunch off the ridge below Timber Peak |

 

 At the top my body had eaten through all the energy my breakfast had provided & was ready for a remote lunch. I spent close to 2 hours reading, shooting photos, & randomly sending the most remote text message I have had the chance to. The above photo shows base camp, looking out into the Cucamonga Wilderness.

| Natural Icebox at 7800 ft |

Another great thing I found out over the day about this trail was it was the more adult cousin to Chantry Flats area. Though somewhat populated, I found that all the hikers seemed to be in training mode, trail camping or out for the features of the snow country. No families, no teens, no trash, and almost no graffiti. Hiking solo on this journey allowed for me to stop and talk to almost 15 different people. Some eventually heading all the way to the Grand Canyon & Yellowstone. However, later in the day on my way down the trail, it was strew ever so often with late afternoon families enjoying the lower creek area.

| Switchback on Icehouse Canyon Trail w Mt. Baldy in background |

The upper reaches of this canyon allow for almost six different routes & I only made it a bit above the 7,555 saddle. This allows for more adventures down the road. Along with great beauty, one of the funniest wilderness moments happened while I was having lunch looking out into the hills, ponder something profound, a deep voice called from miles across the canyon, "Vote for Donnelly!" I laughed, replied the same, & never stopped smiling the rest of the day.

| Video of the Days Adventures - Two minutes |

Outdoors in Montecito

This past weekend some great friends & I got to take a mini vacation to the Montecito area of California. This small, southern town is marvelously dotted with multi-million dollar estates sprawling across the foothills of Los Padres National Forrest.

The dudes & I swapped stories while enjoying our comfy settings with some drinks in hand. We also worked on a plan for the next days adventures.

This particular vacation was a bit of a whirlwind. I had spent the day of departure at work since 2am... and didn't hit the bed that night in Montecito till 2:30am the next day. Spent close to 27 hours awake.

Our eventual plan was to take a scenic drive through the foothills, winding us through the country. Collin & Pouya were taking us to a previous hike they had traversed in the past, but they had said there was much more water in the river this time around.

The five of us set out on our trek, following the Cold Springs Trail along the river, deep into the canyon foothills. Switch backs for some portions of the trip, while other sections allowed for long gradual inclines up a shaded hillside.

There are several route choices along the way that will result in different destination outcomes. We opted for a trial that would take us up to a lookout of Montecito & Santa Barbara.

The trails prove to be mostly covered with a small, slow elevation gain that kept the workout at a good level. Connecting with a fire road that ran along the rim of the foothills, our trail popped us out right on the edge of the hills looking down on small towns, huge estates & the Santa Barbara harbor.

Every time I am invited to spend some time in Montecito I am totally awe struck by the wealth & lifestyle that is pursued in this small area of California coast. It also reminds me of how thoroughly thankful I am to have such great friends to share amazing experiences with.